Anyone had a roof terrace approved on the ladder through planning?

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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on February 18, 2013 at 14:16

I doubt you'll get planning permission. You're not supposed to be able to overlook your neighbour's garden from a 1st floor roof terrace. I understand that it would be nice to have and it's a bit rich that people have done them unofficially and just waited four years for a certificate of lawfulness. Still, one day you may sell your house to a man who likes to sit outside on it in a dirty raincoat watching the children play in the garden next door. And yes it's nowhere near as intimidating when they sit inside and look out the window.

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Permalink Reply by Salsa on February 18, 2013 at 14:46

John what makes you say "You're not supposed to be able to overlook your neighbour's garden from a 1st floor roof terrace? Is that your opinion or planning rules?

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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on February 18, 2013 at 15:26

Pretty sure that's planning rules. It's what you get turned down for and I have a friend on the ladder who objected to just such a situation as I described above (man sunbathing whilst children played down below). He followed through with planning enforcement and had the man take down the railings and I think he was allowed to keep the access as long as he didn't really use it.

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Permalink Reply by John D on February 18, 2013 at 17:48

John

It's nonsense like this that reinforces the idea that all men are potential paedophiles.

If I see Phoebe knocked down in the street I shall not rush to her aid, being fearful of being labelled a kiddie fiddler, but walk on by. And it will be your fault.

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Permalink Reply by hob on February 18, 2013 at 18:42

I see a similar application was refused by the council for the following reason....."The proposed roof terrace would give rise to conditions of overlooking and loss of privacy thereby harming residential amenity for adjoining properties. This is contrary to the policy UD3 'General Principles' of the Unitary Development Plan 2006."

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Hawkins on February 19, 2013 at 23:15

can see both sides to this. What about tree houses - one of those behind my garden (couple of gardens along to be fair) temporary structure so its allowed?! And what about people looking from inside ??!

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Permalink Reply by NBurrows on February 20, 2013 at 7:08

Thanks all. Re. Privacy, there frankly isn't any in our gardens anyway - there are three storey homes surrounding them - many arranged as flats with kitchens and living areas looking out the back. Plus, as I say, already lots of roof terraces. So quite honestly I don't believe we'd be bringing the area down, actually quite the contrary as we intend it to be a tasteful renovation. Anyhow....

Personally, I think all the 'sheds' which people seem to be living in are a bigger problem... We can see several from our home. Backyards are for leisure and accessing outdoor space, not living in!

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Permalink Reply by Jem on February 20, 2013 at 7:32

I have just exchange on a property and will be moving to the ladder in summer. The flat above has a roof terrace, however, they obtained a certificate of lawful use. I would like to have a little more faith in humanity than to say that every man sitting on that roof terrace will be a paedophile. I would hope there are some nice families and couples living on the ladder too who just want to enjoy some fresh air and outdoor space! Definately worth investigating and I am sure if you have a good rapport with your neightbours and as you say you would like to do the roofterrace in a tasteful  manner then its worth a chance. Good luck :)

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Permalink Reply by Ms on February 20, 2013 at 16:45

Hi

I think you may well get planning permission - we are not on the Ladder but nearby in Stroud Green and we argued fiercely against an application from our neighbour for a 2nd storey roof terrace, we sent photos of the proposed site from our garden to show just how much it would overlook our entire garden, we involved our local councillors, but Haringey approved the application with the minor amendment that it must have a 1.5 metre high non-see through glass balustrade.  We also protested about noise at it will be a few metres from our bedrooms and overlooking into our kitchen and dining rooms which have windows facing it - all to no avail.  The neighbour the other side was encouraged by this to put in his own application which I assume will go through on the nod.

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